Demountable exercise device

ABSTRACT

A demountable multi-purpose exercise device includes first and second elongate, mutually engageable telescopic members, each having first and second end portions, wherein when the elongate members are mutually engaged the first end portions are mutually distal and the second end portions are mutually slidably engaged, the second end portion of the second telescopic member being formed as a narrowed, tubular guide portion to facilitate the axial, telescopic sliding of the first telescopic member therewith; a pair of handle elements disposed at each first end portion of the first and second telescopic elongate members; compressible resilient member disposed between the first and second elongate, telescopic members, to permit mutual contraction in response to a compressive, axial force of at least a predetermined magnitude applied thereto via the first ends thereof; and elongate flexible elements for attachment between the first ends of the first and second telescopic members, for preventing inadvertent disassembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of International Application No. PCT/IL 2004/000089, filed on Jan. 29, 2004, and entitled Demountable Multi-Purpose Exercise Device; which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/453,997, filed on Jun. 4, 2003, publication number 2004/01527571, and entitled Demountable Multi-Purpose Exercise Device; which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/654,103, filed on Jan. 30, 2003, publication number 2004/0152570, and entitled Demountable Multi-Purpose Exercise Device; all in the name of the present Inventor. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein, by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally to an exercise device and, more specifically, to an exercise device, which can be easily disassembled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art to provide exercise devices to facilitate exercises to promote or maintain physical fitness, generally for human use. These devices fall into two broad categories, namely, portable and non-portable. The latter include items, which are portable simply by virtue of their physical size or weight. However, these are generally limited in the scope of exercises which can be performed by their use.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 3,268,225 to Kolbel, on Aug. 23, 1966, entitled “Spring Type Physical Exerciser,” there is disclosed an exercising device having an internal telescopic tube, slidable within an external tube and having a spring disposed within the tubes. The external extremity of each tube has a handle affixed thereto, which acts as a closure to support the spring therewithin. By pressing on both handles, exercises requiring a pushing or compressing effort may be performed. An endless rope-like loop passes through recesses formed in each handle and is fixed thereto, such that the tubes are maintained somewhat under tension with respect to each other and to the spring. The rope may be provided with two handles formed or fixed thereto, disposed on either side of the telescopic tubes to facilitate exercises that require a pulling or expanding movement or effort. The rope also prevents the tubes and handles from springing apart.

The above-mentioned device, while providing features for performing multiple exercises, is portable only to a limited extent. Being, of necessity, a lengthy device having a fixed assembly of its component parts, it is not intended for quick and convenient disassembly to facilitate compact packing and transporting, and for quick subsequent re-assembly for use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a lightweight, demountable, multi-purpose, exercise device, which is easily assembled for use and disassembled for convenience of packing or for conveying while the user is traveling. The multi-purpose exercise device is usable, generally but not exclusively, by humans for performing a wide variety of exercises, including the actions of compressing, pulling, pushing, expanding, or drawing apart. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide an exercise device as described, with a minimum umber of components, thereby being easy to transport and assemble, and possessing maximum durability and reliability.

There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a demountable multi-purpose exercise device which includes first and second generally elongate, mutually engageable telescopic members, each having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein when the elongate members are in mutual engagement the first end portions are mutually distal and the second end portions are in mutual slidable engagement, wherein the second end portion of the second telescopic member is formed as a narrowed, tubular guide portion to facilitate the axial, telescopic sliding of the first telescopic member; therewith; a pair of handle elements disposed at each first end portion of the first and second telescopic elongate members; compressible resilient means disposed between the first and second elongate, telescopic members, operative to permit mutual contraction thereof in response to a compressive, axial force of at least a predetermined magnitude applied thereto via the first ends thereof; and elongate flexible means for attachment between the first ends of the first and second elongate telescopic members, for preventing inadvertent mutual disassembly thereof.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exercise device also includes a pair of exercise apparatuses, each including a housing mounted onto the first end of a predetermined one of the first and second telescopic elongate members, each housing having an cylindrical axial mounting opening formed therethrough; a retractable spool member rotationally mounted within the housing; one or more elongate flexible members, each fixably attached by a first end thereof to an associated spool member and arranged to be resiliently coiled thereabout and adapted to be uncoiled in response to a pulling force greater than a resistance force applied thereto via the spool member, the spool member being operative to recoil an associated elongate flexible member thereabout in the absence of a force greater than the resistance force; and a handle attached to a free, second end of the elongate flexible member, for applying a pulling force thereto.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing is configured as a handle element.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are also provided one or more spring members within the compressible resilient means, fastened between the spool member and a spring-retaining disc located at a distal end of the compressible resilient means,

wherein rotation of the retractable spool member as the elongate flexible member is uncoiled provides a twisting tensioning action to the one or more spring members, thereby applying a compressive force to the compressible resilient means so as to increase the pulling force required in order to uncoil the elongate flexible member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and its features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the ensuing description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a demountable exercise device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a demountable exercise device constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the demountable exercise device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the disassembled demountable exercise device shown in shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the demountable exercise device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of the demountable exercise device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a is a schematic perspective view of the demountable exercise device shown in FIG. 2 including a demountable exercise bar; and

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view constructed and operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At present, many people expend a substantial amount of time traveling, be it for business or pleasure. While not traveling, those who wish to do physical exercises have the opportunity to visit their local gymnasium or sports facility. While traveling, however, this is not such a simple matter. There is therefore a need for facilitating an exercise program for travelers, utilizing a lightweight, portable, and simple exercise device. The present invention seeks to provide such a device, which is easily assembled, from a few component parts, easily disassembled and is very compact and portable and may, for example, be packed into a shoe-box sized container or bag. Furthermore, it is usable for a wide range of exercises for the arms, legs, chest, back, stomach, and posterior.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is provided a demountable exercise device referenced generally 300, which includes first and second, coaxially arranged, mutually engageable telescopic members, respectively referenced 302, and 304. As seen, first member 302 is exemplified as a plunger, and second member 304 is exemplified as an elongate cylinder or guide member, for mating engagement with plunger 302.

Mutually distal first ends 303 and 305 of plunger 302 and cylinder 304, respectively, terminate in handle or grip elements, 306 and 310, respectively, by which device 300 may be gripped by the hands of a user. Elements 306 and 310 are formed generally in accordance with handle elements 126, substantially as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 4-6 of co-pending International Application No. PCT/IL 2004/000089, filed on Jan. 29, 2004, and entitled Demountable Multi-Purpose Exercise Device; and of co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 10/453,997, filed on Jun. 4, 2003, publication number 2004/01527571, and entitled Demountable Multi-Purpose Exercise Device, both in the name of the present Inventor, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Second end 318 of cylinder 304 is formed as a narrowed, tubular guide portion 316, terminating at a shoulder portion, referenced 319. When device 300 is in an assembled position, as illustrated in the present drawing, guide portion 316 serves to facilitate the axial, telescopic sliding of plunger 302 therewith.

In order to prevent accidental disassembly of device 300, there is also provided a flexible member or cord 320 which is accommodated into grooves 322 of plunger handle element 306 and of cylinder 304 handle element 310, substantially as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 7-9 of co-pending International Application No. PCT/IL 2004/000089, filed on Jan. 29, 2004, and entitled Demountable Multi-Purpose Exercise Device; and of co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 10/453,997, filed on Jun. 4, 2003, publication number 2004/01527571, and entitled Demountable Multi-Purpose Exercise Device, both in the name of the present Inventor, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

There is also provided a compressible, resilient member, referenced 326, such as the illustrated spring member. Resilient member 326 is disposed within cylinder 304, substantially along the length between shoulder 319 and first end 305 thereof. There is preferably also provided a contact plate, referenced 317, or equivalent, between resilient member 326 and shoulder 319. Upon contraction of the free, second end 314 through guide portion 316 of cylinder 304, second end 314 engages resilient member 326 via contact plate 317, so as to apply to the resilient member 326 a compressive force. Resilient member 326 is operative to resist the further entry of plunger 302 into cylinder 304, in the absence of a compressive, axial force of at least a predetermined magnitude applied to plunger 302 and cylinder 304, which exceeds the resistance of resilient member 326.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is seen a demountable exercising device generally referenced 600, which includes first and second, coaxially arranged, mutually interengaging telescopic members, respectively referenced 610 and 620. First member 610 is exemplified as a plunger, and second member 620 is exemplified as an elongate cylinder or guide member, for mating engagement with plunger 610.

Elongate plunger 610 has a first end portion referenced 612 and a second end portion referenced 614, while cylinder 620 has a first end portion referenced 622 and a narrowed, second end guide portion referenced 624, formed for demountable telescopic engagement with second end portion 614 of elongate plunger 610.

Compressible resilient means referenced 626, exemplified herein as a compression spring, is provided between elongate plunger 610 and cylinder 620, operative to permit mutual contraction of elongate plunger 610 and guide member 620 in response to opposing axial forces applied thereto via first end portion 612 of said plunger 610 and first end portion 622 of cylinder 620. It is thus seen that the general structure of device 600 of the present embodiment is generally similar to that of FIG. 1, inasmuch as it is formed of two main portions which are arranged for disassembly or demounting, so as to increase the portability of the present invention.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, exercise apparatuses generally referenced 630 are fixably attached to each of first end portion 612 of elongate plunger 610 and first end portion 622 of cylinder 620. Each exercise apparatus 630 includes a substantially cylindrical housing referenced 638, as shown, which, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, is ergonomically configured for comfortably gripping device 600 when in use as a compression exercise device. The exercise apparatuses 630 are shown and described hereinbelow in detail, in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7.

Elongate flexible elements referenced 632 are fixably attached to exercising apparatuses 630 at attachment elements referenced 634. Elongate flexible elements 632 are configured to be of a length so as to prevent unintentional disassembly of elongate plunger 610 and cylinder 620. Preferably, elements 632 provide axial compression between elongate plunger 610 and cylinder 620.

There is seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the disassembly of demountable exercise device 600, with elongate plunger 610 withdrawn from telescopic engagement with cylinder 620.

Elongate flexible elements 632 are retained fixably connected to exercise apparatuses 630, as by clips or other suitable connectors. Upon disassembly, the length of the space required to contain device 600 is reduced substantially, typically by about 50%, to facilitate packing the device 600 into a suitable box or bag, which may not need to be larger than the size of a shoebox.

Referring now to FIG. 6, each exercise apparatus 630 includes a retractable spool member referenced 636 rotationally mounted within housing referenced 638 which has a cylindrical axial mounting opening referenced 640 formed therethrough. An elongate flexible member or cable referenced 642 is fixably attached by a first end thereof (not shown) to spool member 636 and arranged to be resiliently coiled thereabout. When a pulling force is exerted on handle referenced 644, fastened to a second end referenced 646 of cable 642, cable 642 is caused to be uncoiled against a resistance force provided by a resilient element referenced 648. In response to a reduction in the pulling force applied to handle 644, spool member 636 becomes operative to recoil cable 642 thereabout. Exercise apparatus 630 includes a brake element referenced 650 disposed thereon so as to apply a preselected resistance force to retractable spool member 636.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in accordance with a variation of the above-mentioned alternative preferred embodiment (as disclosed in relation to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 hereinabove), there is illustrated the use of a collapsible or telescopic exercise bar referenced 652 to carry out selected exercises. Exercise bar 652 is positioned through handles referenced 654 of demountable exercise device 600 so that gripping exercise bar 652 at or near each end, facilitates a number of additional exercises.

Demountable exercising device 600 (as disclosed in relation to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 hereinabove) is generally similar to demountable exercising device 300 as shown in FIG. 1 except that handle assemblies 306 and 310 at ends 308 and 310 respectively, have each been replaced with an exercising apparatus 630 at ends 612 and 622 of device 600, and flexible member or cord 320 (FIG. 1) has been replaced by typically a pair of discrete, flexible attachment elements 632.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention, and referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated disposed within guide member 620 of demountable exercising device 600 one or more resilient elements referenced 654 generally coaxially disposed within compressible resilient means 626, which is in the form of a compressive helical spring. Resilient elements 654 are fastened at one end to an eyelet referenced 656 in a rotatable shaft referenced 658 of spool member 636 and at the other end to an eyelet referenced 660 formed in spring-retaining disc referenced 662. Rotation of spool member 636 as cable 642 is withdrawn from exercise apparatus 630 provides a twisting tensioning action to resilient elements 654. As the tension begins to increase, a compressive force is exerted upon compressible resilient means 626, thereby providing a steady increase in resistance to pulling handles 644.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the exercise examples disclosed hereinabove, but may be utilized in a multitude of exercises using combinations of the various components, apparatus, members, and elements of the present invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by the drawings and description hereinabove presented. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims that follow. 

1. A demountable multi-purpose exercise device, including: a) first and second generally elongate, mutually engageable telescopic members, each having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein when said elongate members are in mutual engagement said first end portions are mutually distal and said second end portions are in mutual slidable engagement, wherein said second end portion of said second telescopic member is formed as a narrowed, tubular guide portion to facilitate the axial, telescopic sliding of said first telescopic member therewith; b) a pair of handle elements disposed at each said first end portion of said first and second telescopic elongate members; c) compressible resilient means disposed between said first and second elongate, telescopic members, operative to permit mutual contraction thereof in response to a compressive, axial force of at least a predetermined magnitude applied thereto via said first ends thereof; and d) elongate flexible means for attachment between said first ends of said first and second elongate telescopic members, for preventing inadvertent mutual disassembly thereof.
 2. A demountable multi-purpose exercise device according to claim 1, and also including a pair of exercise apparatuses, each including: a) a housing mounted onto said first end of a predetermined one of said first and second telescopic elongate members, each said housing having an cylindrical axial mounting opening formed therethrough; b) a retractable spool member rotationally mounted within said housing; c) at least one elongate flexible member fixably attached by a first end thereof to said at least one spool member and arranged to be resiliently coiled thereabout and adapted to be uncoiled in response to a pulling force greater than a resistance force applied thereto via said spool member, said at least one retractable spool member operative to recoil said at least one elongate flexible member thereabout in the absence of a force greater than the resistance force; and d) a handle attached to a free, second end of each said elongate flexible member, for applying a pulling force thereto.
 3. A demountable multi-purpose exercise device according to claim 2, wherein said housing is configured as a handle element.
 4. A demountable multi-purpose exercise device according to claim 2, and also including at least one spring member positioned within said compressible resilient means, said at least one spring member being fastened between said spool member and a spring-retaining disc located at a distal end of said compressible resilient means, wherein rotation of said retractable spool member as said elongate flexible member is uncoiled provides a twisting tensioning action to said at least one spring member, thereby applying a compressive force to said compressible resilient means so as to increase the pulling force required in order to uncoil said elongate flexible member. 